Closing of Stuart Park rink leads to opening of the gate

Contributed/City of Kelowna

(ADAM PROSKIW /InfoTel Multimedia)

February 23, 2016 - 4:04 PM

KELOWNA - Consistently warm temperatures have ended the outdoor skating season. The Stuart Park outdoor rink will be closed after skating tonight as the ice can no longer be maintained. Skating is still available at Rutland Arena, Capital News Centre and Memorial Arena. Visit kelowna.ca/recreation for public skating times.

“While sometimes we can keep the rink open a little later in the season, the ice has become too thin due to the number of warm and sunny days in a row, and even with cooler nights the surface can’t be maintained,” said Steve Fagan, Arenas & Stadiums Supervisor.

The adjacent fire pit will also be turned off until the next skating season.

Fortunately, Kelowna is a four season playground and when one activity ends, another one becomes available. Kasugai Gardens gates will open for the spring season starting Tuesday, March 1. The gardens will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Victoria Day weekend. Throughout the summer months the gardens will be open until 8 p.m.

Kasugai Gardens provides a tranquil environment featuring traditional elements of a Japanese garden such as stone lanterns, pine trees, a waterfall and a pond. The gardens were completed in 1987 to symbolize the friendship between Kelowna and Kasugai, Japan, sister cities since 1981.

For more information about city parks and public spaces, visit kelowna.ca/parks, or for ideas on getting active outdoors, visit kelowna.ca/activebynature.

OPINION Editor, This is a busy time of year, but I find it’s also a time of reflection, particularly as January marks the end of my two-year term as Chair and my 10 years serving on the Board of Interior